Zenkutsu dachi

Zenkutsu and Oi-Tsuki, position and technique well reversed

Reflection on Movement in Zenkutsu

At   the outset, I wish to clarify that I will not be providing answers to   any questions that might arise on this topic. I simply offer my   contribution by initiating a reflection on this stance, regarded by many   as a fundamental karate position and perceived as natural, although...

Above   all, I wish to caution against the risk of lumbar trauma that a very   low version of this stance can cause. It is indeed difficult to maintain   proper pelvic retroversion when moving in this configuration.   Conversely, with a higher Zenkutsu, this issue does not arise.

Why Is This Stance Used?

Let   us first question this stance and its movement, which are not natural.  I  consider it unnatural because, in everyday life, no one adopts such a   posture. Let us go back in time and move to Europe: where do we find a   similar stance?

In fencing, a similar posture  exists  (the forward lunge). This allows for an increased attack  distance from a  neutral position. However, this is not a continuous  movement; rather,  it is a forward leap with the front foot.

When   analyzing this stance in karate, we observe a similarity: it allows an   attack to be delivered from a greater distance. The lower the stance,   the longer the attack range.

In boxing, punches are   delivered at a relatively short distance. The force comes mainly from   the movement of the shoulder and torso. A longer-distance attack is   possible, but it requires leaps and bounces toward the opponent. In   contrast, Zenkutsu is primarily a static technique that does not, in   theory, permit bouncing. Indeed, the position of the legs (with the   front leg bent and the back leg straight) distributes about 70% of the   body weight forward.

What Is the Real Advantage of This Stance?

Before   answering this question, let us remain focused on the mechanics of   forward movement. The back leg cannot initially propel the body forward,   as it is straight. Therefore, propulsion occurs solely through the   movement of the hips (a tilt or rotation).

Here is the chronological order of movement:

1. Tilting the lower hips forward (some experts prefer a rotation of the hips instead of tilting).

2. This tilt or rotation propels the back leg forward.

3. Simultaneous contraction of the abdominal muscles (noting that these muscles are slow).

4. The back leg reaches the level of the front leg, which then takes over to push the body downward and complete the movement.

When   pushing, the foot makes a slight outward rotation, which frees the  hips  forward. This rotation of the foot can be likened to the movement  of a  tsuki.

Common Errors During This Movement

Among   the frequent errors is the lifting of the hips instead of a horizontal   movement. This creates a wave-like motion, thereby reducing the power  of  the movement. Another often-overlooked error concerns the front  foot,  which pivots prematurely before the movement (as in Sanchin or  Seisan,  though for different reasons). Similarly, a slight bounce of  the front  leg may appear, often due to a lack of power from the Hara.  However,  this can sometimes serve to adjust distance if the Ma has been  altered  by the opponent.

This movement of the front  foot can  be interpreted as a "signal," indicating to the opponent that  movement  is imminent. This runs counter to the goal of surprising the  opponent  with a "suicidal" or "last-resort" movement. Nevertheless,  some experts  adopt this motion, perhaps considering it advantageous for  opening the  hips more quickly. Indeed, this allows for a swifter  start, but what of  the impact if the foot has already pivoted?

Final Reflection on Zenkutsu

Historically,   this stance is a pedagogical tool for practicing hip movement and   anchoring the back leg. It is not natural for combat, unlike stances   such as Sochin Dachi or Fudo Dachi, which offer a 50-50% balance,   facilitating shifts in the center of gravity.

Why was   this stance incorporated into katas? Considering the spirit of karate,   Zenkutsu may evoke the start of a sprinter ready to leap from the   starting blocks. The goal is to move through the opponent with a   determined attack. A person with this mindset will explode suddenly,   like a grenade detonating after being unpinned.

Is Oi-Tsuki a Natural Movement?

Studying   this strike reveals that it is difficult to master. Indeed, it   resembles an "ambling" motion, which is natural for some animals but not   for humans.

The Advantages of Oi-Tsuki:

• Greater reach at the point of impact compared to Gyaku Tsuki.

• Maximum effectiveness when executed with the intent to move through the opponent.

• Unlike Maite or Kizami Tsuki, the movement is complete, involving the back leg.

Purpose of using Zenkutsu

This   is why the technique is rarely used in kumite or street combat: it   requires a firm resolve to strike the opponent in this manner. It   becomes effective when the opponent is cornered, but if the opponent can   retreat, the technique risks failure. Continuous practice is necessary   to overcome its unnatural nature.

This text is merely a reflection, and each individual is free to explore it and form their own opinion.